With six years and no NFL Playoffs, New York Jets fans will need to root for another team to win the Super Bowl this year.
To say 2016 was a rough year for people, would be an understatement.In a year where we saw legends, from Prince to Arnold Palmer pass away, violence in the streets, and depending on your political views, the Presidential Election upset of the century, New York Jets fans could not find relief in the team they love.
The optimism created from a 2015 campaign that saw Todd Bowles lead the Jets to a 10-6 mark, and just outside of the playoffs, quickly was dissipated with a 1-5 start. The Jets would go on to win only four more games, including Sunday’s 30-10 win over the Rex Ryan-less Buffalo Bills. Jets fans are all too familiar with this bucket of ice water poured over their heads.
All reports are that General Manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles’ jobs are safe. The Jets will have the No. 6 draft pick in April’s draft. Whether or not the decision from Florham Park is to draft a quarterback for the fourth time in four years will be of great discussion in the coming weeks. But for now, the NFL’s second season is prepping to kick off, and there is no reason for the heartbroken Jets fan not to enjoy it.
The New York Jets fan base is a loyal fan base, consistently a top draw in attendance. A fan base that can spew venom towards rival fan bases such as the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, or any other fan base that tries to invade MetLife Stadium for a Jets home game. But let’s face it, the fans from the greatest city in the world watch football, no matter who is playing.
If you are like most people, it is difficult to watch a game and not get invested in the success or failure of one of the teams. Since Jets fans no longer have a dog in the race, this should not prevent them from supporting one of the remaining teams.
I know, I know, “bandwagon fans,” I’m not saying go out and buy all the fan gear you can afford, but you can emotionally invest yourself into a team, and hope for their success.
No harm, no foul.
Don’t get misconstrued about this, though. There are teams you can root for this year, while others, simply cannot be touched, strictly based on principle. With that said, as a Jets fan, the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins are completely off limits. With the two being Division rivals, the only hope you should have for them is quick elimination.
But, if you are looking for a team to casually root for, here are the three you should get behind:
New York Giants
Why root for the Giants?
The obvious choice.
This can go one or two ways. You may have friends, family members, co-workers calling you a “bandwagon fan,” or they may actually appreciate your support. This is about you rooting for your stadium roommates, the team you share a city name with, and a team sure to be an underdog in each game of the playoffs.
Is it crazy to think that some White Sox fans were rooting for the Cubs to win the World Series?
Sure, they have been more successful teams over the past five decades, with four “Super Bowl” championships to their credit. The thing to admire about the New York Giants is their historic history and great ownership. John Mara and Steve Tish have filled in quite nicely since the passing of Wellington Mara, whose impact on the game has been everlasting.
Why the Giants will win the Super Bowl
The ultimate “Road Warrior” quarterback in Eli Manning and a defense that has carried the team to a Wildcard berth.
Manning is 7-1 on the road in his career. With two of those wins coming against first round opponent, the Green Bay Packers. On the defensive side of the ball, Landon Collins has broken out this season, to be the best safety in football and a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Janoris Jenkins and Damon Harrison’s contributions can’t be overlooked as well, as the defense has been the star in this run to the playoffs.
Why the Giants won’t win the Super Bowl
It is no secret that the way to be successful in the colder months of the year is to play strong defense and to have the ability to run the ball. Defense problem solved, but the run game has left a lot to be desired. The Giants rank No. 29 in rushing. The inclusion of Paul Perkins into the running game may be the answer, as he was able to rush for over 100 yards in the Week 17 matchup with the Washington Redskins.
Kansas City Chiefs
Why root for the Chiefs?
Never root for the favorite, which is why you won’t see the Dallas Cowboys on this list. But there is a way to give Giants fans a good jab in choosing your team to root for. Though he has never won the “Super Bowl”, Andy Reid on more than one occasion has broken Giants fan’s hearts. From Desean Jackson’s “Miracle at the New Meadowlands,” to his six NFC East titles, Reid has seem to of had the Giants’ number.
Though the offense may look stagnant at times, players like Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, and the running back duo of Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West, have big play ability. Though, like the Giants, this team is built on their defense. They are led by Justin Houston, Marcus Peters, Dee Ford, and Eric Berry, a “Who’s Who” of defensive talent. If you love BBQ and defense, this team is for you!
If you love BBQ and defense, this team is for you!
Why the Chiefs will win the Super Bowl
The Chiefs are careful with the ball on offense and create havoc on defense with a +14 in turnover differential, which ranks No. 2 in the league. If
If Alex Smith, is able to take care of the ball, get a few big plays from his young stars, the defense can take care of the rest. The X-Factor for the Chiefs is Tyreek Hill. Hill has produced nine touchdowns on Offense, and an additional three on Special Teams. When a team is need of a momentum shift or to apply the dagger, a big play on Special Teams can make all the difference.
Why the Chiefs won’t win the Super Bowl
Two big obstacles can keep the Chiefs from winning the Super Bowl: Andy Reid’s ability to coach in the big game and can the Chiefs produce enough offense against teams like the Steelers and Patriots. Reid is 1-3 in NFC Championship games and has not made it out of the Divisional Round, as coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. He is often criticized for his time management skills, which is of bigger concern when it comes to playoff time. The Chiefs ranked #20 in Offense this season, the ability to score points and keep the defense fresh will be the determining factor in how much success the Chiefs can achieve this year.
Reid is 1-3 in NFC Championship games and has not made it out of the Divisional Round, as coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. He is often criticized for his time management skills, which is of bigger concern when it comes to playoff time. The Chiefs ranked No. 20 in Offense this season, the ability to score points and keep the defense fresh will be the determining factor in how much success the Chiefs can achieve this year.
Detroit Lions
Why root for the Lions?
Haven’t Lions fans suffered enough? It has been three trips to the playoffs in the last five years for the Detroit Lions, who still can’t find a way to displace the Green Bay Packers from their NFC North throne. The Detroit Lions have never won a championship in the “Super Bowl” era, so it’s been a really long time since the Lions have had this much success — if you want to call this success.
Like New York Jets fans, the Lions fan base has constantly lived with a “sky is falling” mentality. Even when gifted with all-time greats, Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, Detroit leadership has never been able to put it all together, sound familiar?
Why the Lions will win the Super Bowl
Sometimes, you just need a little luck! Call the Detroit Lions, the only “live” underdogs that could win it all. The Lions will travel to Seattle on Saturday night, to play in one of the toughest stadiums to win any game, albeit a playoff game. As it stands, Detroit sits as an 8 point underdog against the former champs. This year hasn’t been the Seahawks’ best, as the offense has sputtered and has been inconsistent this year. With the loss of
Call the Detroit Lions, the only “live” underdogs that could win it all. The Lions will travel to Seattle on Saturday night, to play in one of the toughest stadiums to win any game, albeit a playoff game. As it stands, Detroit sits as an 8 point underdog against the former champs. This year hasn’t been the Seahawks’ best, as the offense has sputtered and has been inconsistent this year. With the loss of Earl Thomas for the year, the defense looks different, all signs of a possible upset. Choose the Lions if you believe in miracles, as this year, without a Barry Sanders or a Calvin Johnson, they have a “puncher’s chance.”
Choose the Lions if you believe in miracles, as this year, without a Barry Sanders or a Calvin Johnson, they have a “puncher’s chance.”
Why the Lions won’t win the Super Bowl
Because they are in fact, the Detroit Lions. Matthew Stafford can chuck a football, something he has proved year in and year out. Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Anquan Boldin can catch footballs at a scary rate. Where Detroit may fall short is at the running back position, with the loss of multi-dimensional, Theo Riddick and three down back, Amir Abdullah for the year. If the Lions are to “Shock the World,” it will take production from running back Zach Zenner, to create balance in the offense.
Also, the NFC Playoff bracket will consist of a much more difficult path to the big game, considering the health of the AFC. The experience at quarterback in the NFC dwarfs the situation occurring in the AFC. Matthew Stafford, Eli Manning, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, and Matt Ryan, all have playoff experience under their belts.
Whatever team you may choose to support in the 2016 playoffs, remember that this is for pure enjoyment and it is back to complaining on April 27 at the NFL Draft.
All Stats provided by NFL.com